Author
Adam Williamson
Adam Williamson is a leading specialist in biomorphic arabesque pattern as well as a skilled carver and artist. Together, Henry and Williamson direct the London-based Art of Islamic Pattern, which offers short courses, workshops and exhibitions at locations renowned for pattern-based artistic heritages in more than half a dozen countries.
Articles by this author
Art of Islamic Patterns: A Southeast Asian Rosette
Arts & Culture
Cursive, vegetal, biomorphic forms predominate in patterns in Malaysia, Indonesia and parts of Thailand. This final installment in our series is based on the geometry of leaves and petals.
Art of Islamic Patterns: Rüstem Pasha Rosette
Arts & Culture
History
Originally designed for tiles adorning the mosque in Istanbul commissioned in the 16th century by Ottoman Grand Vizier Rustem Pasha, this 12-fold rosette combines geometry with plant and flower motifs to achieve a centrifugal, undulating, harmonious composition.
Art of Islamic Patterns: Mamluk Rosette
History
Arts & Culture
In part two of this series, we construct a medallion that combines a geometric rosette with an eight-point biomorphic, or arabesque, design. With tracing paper, get ready to learn a 700-year-old patternmaking hack.
Art of Islamic Patterns: Alicatado
Arts & Culture
History
In this six-part series, we begin by learning how to draw, step by step, a swirling dance of geometry from a famous cut-tile wall panel in the Alhambra palace in Granada, Spain. It’s easier than it looks.